503 Clothgirl’s 18th Birthday
To Clothgirl on your 18th birthday.
I remember turning 18, it was one of the best days of my life. Not only was I “finally” an official adult, but I was about to leave home and strike out on my own. The same is true for you, which is why one of the best days of your life is one of the saddest of mine.
I have been inexpressibly honored to share these 6570 days under the same roof. My heart bursts with delight every time I kiss you goodnight and I get melancholy when I think about not being able to do so in the future. But my deep love for you compels me to embrace your excitement over my sadness, for you will never soar in life if I’m giving you goodnight kisses.
For years Clothwoman and I have been saying that we want you to be an adult by 18, not start trying to be one. I’m proud to announce you have exceeded our wildest expectations. You are a marvelous adult. Your outward beauty is exceeded only by your inner loveliness. You exude maturity in every step and the world will certainly perk up as you enter it.
This will be my last letter to you before your fast approaching solo flight from the Clothnest; I hope you don’t mind if I relay a few final pre-flight reminders and suggestions.
Most of your real assists don’t come from your mother and me. Your greatest wealth comes from God. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness...” “For in him we live move and have our being.” (2 Peter 1:3; Acts 17:28) You were born to us, but you came from God and you will return to him. Live each day in between as a divine gift and you will be a gift.
Furthermore, you are one of the most affluent and educated persons on earth by virtue of being born in America. You could easily take that for granted, but never do. Live a life of compassionate generosity, ever mindful of your fellow humans born into a different social-economic status. There is a need in this world for the light in you; freely give and you’ll be fulfilled.
Be realistic – this is earth, not heaven. Never fear to love and feel, for even pain rewards with maturity. Embrace failure so you can wisely risk again. Pray through the darkness and dance in the light. Be kind more often than right. Slow down on icy roads.
Keep God and Clothboy your best friends. Don’t marry anyone who disrespects others or lies. Eat right, exercise regularly; continue to create cool things with your hands. And if you try to call often and visit when you can, I’ll try to not offer advice you didn’t ask for.
We’ve done our imperfect best to prepare you for life and we’re grateful for the help from many others. We don’t know where you will go and may not always agree, but our love goes with you, and like God’s, it is unconditional.
So live your life with unshakable peace and grace-filled humility. Be courageous, hold tight to that which is good. Never return evil for evil. Support the weak, help the wounded, show honor to all. And may the blessings of our awesome God be upon you and remain with you forever my daughter.
Oh, and remember to floss those teeth we spent a small fortune on.
|
|
